01/01/2010 01531

DATABASE ANALYST

DEFINITION: This is advanced technical work in the analysis, design, and maintenance of data or database systems in support of overall data or database administration.

An employee in this job performs work in one or more critical areas of data or database administration for an entire agency or large segment of an agency including the logical or physical design and configuration of databases; creating and maintaining storage structures; performing database expansion, reorganization, or conversion functions; performing backup and recovery procedures; or developing data models. Work may include the evaluation of database management technology such as database management systems, database monitoring and tuning tools, and database gateways; and researching and resolving problems related to access, usage, and performance of database systems. Certain positions in this job may be solely focused on data administration duties. Work involves analyzing, designing, and developing data warehouses and data marts; developing data dictionary definitions, data models, and metadata repositories; and working with information technology professionals, business analysts, and users to develop data models, resolve data quality problems, and ensure compliance with data administration policies, procedures, and standards. Work is differentiated from the Database Administrator 1 job by the lack of independence in managing all aspects of the database administration function for an agency or large segment of an agency and the lack of responsibility for developing database policies and standards. Analysts may be delegated the full range of database administration functions under the direction of a Database Administrator 1 or other higher level information technology professional. Work is differentiated from the Data Administrator 1 job by the lack of responsibility for developing the data administration plans, policies, and standards for an agency data administration program. Work is assigned by a higher level information technology supervisor who outlines general instructions and objectives; however, the employee is required to independently initiate and select courses of action to meet the objectives. Work is reviewed for effectiveness and adherence to sound data and database administration principles and techniques.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Creates, maintains, and modifies physical databases including the database storage structures and database objects ensuring that appropriate relationships exist and that indexes are established to provide processing efficiency.

Designs centralized and distributed database structures or system architecture consistent with applications, operations, and networking goals and objectives.

Establishes and defines database backup and recovery procedures by establishing the backup schedule and retention periods, monitoring backup processes and procedures, preparing scripts to reload and recover databases from backup systems, and developing procedures for the reconstruction of lost or damaged data.

Monitors system performance, assesses space utilization and growth, and recommends upgrades and enhancements to software and hardware to ensure optimal database performance.

Researches, evaluates, tests, and installs database software and performs database software conversions and migrations to new versions,
products, or platforms while preserving data integrity.

Works with information technology professionals, business analysts, and users to develop and establish security procedures for controlling and monitoring user access and for establishing and maintaining user passwords, roles, and profiles.

Maintains and modifies specialized software and utilities and analyzes and resolves problems attributed to database design or software.

Interfaces with information technology professionals, business analysts, and users to maintain control of the configuration of the database structure, establish database access techniques, address database performance issues, and resolve database problems.

Develops and documents procedures for defining, creating, revising, and managing databases.

Develops and documents procedures for disaster recovery, database performance, and archiving based on established standards.

Deploys databases and database objects into environments to support enhanced or newly developed applications.

Produces ad hoc queries and reports for users on the data housed in the database.

Produces reports on the performance and capacity of the database such as metrics, capacity, transactions per second, and user data.

Develops and maintains data models.

Queries and monitors agency databases to identify data quality issues, determine the cause of the issue, and recommend software, hardware, or business process changes to correct the issue.

Documents the data models to communicate the data entities and attributes to the users.

Analyzes business processes, procedures, and problems to develop database or data solutions to meet business, application, and system design requirements.

Identifies opportunities for sharing commonly used data within the agency and with outside sources.

Establishes data integration, data profiling, and data cleansing through the use of third-party software tools.

Creates and maintains data field definitions, data entities, attributes, and relationships.

Develops, implements, and maintains an agency level data dictionary and metadata repository.

Applies standards and best practices that promote the reuse of existing or common data stores, data elements, and components.

Ensures data administration compliance by reviewing data access and usage.

Works with information technology professionals and business analysts to ensure proper database design, structure, and data security standards are incorporated.

Advises information technology professionals, business analysts, and users on the availability, accessibility, and usage of agency data.

Provides support and consultation to information technology professionals and business analysts on database impact analysis.

Trains information technology professionals, business analysts, and users on data administration and management guidelines, constructing database queries, and generating reports.

Participates in data conversion project planning and provides time estimates for data management deliverables by planning, analyzing, and identifying data used for data conversion and extraction.

Participates in capacity planning with information technology professionals and business analysts for new data models, data structures, and database design.

Designs, develops, and maintains queries and reports utilizing agency data.

Evaluates and recommends data administration tools.

Maintains knowledge of latest developments in data or database administration/management techniques by reviewing professional publications or participating in formal training programs, courses, and seminars.

Monitors contractor performance in providing services in accordance with specifications.

Functions as a lead worker for technical work by assigning and reviewing work, training employees, and performing quality control functions for the work.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the theory of database administration.

Knowledge of the theory of data administration.

Knowledge of research principles and techniques used to diagnose and troubleshoot technical problems.

Knowledge of database query and reporting concepts.

Ability to analyze business processes to assess data requirements.

Ability to read and interpret technical materials such as product and requirements documentation and technical manuals.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year as an Applications Developer 1 or Information Technology Generalist 1;

                                                                                                                                                                               or

Two years of information technology experience that includes one year in the analysis, design, and maintenance of databases in overall support of database administration or in the analysis and design in overall support of data administration, and an associate’s degree in any information technology field;

                                                                                                                                                                               or

Four years of information technology experience that includes one year in the analysis, design, and maintenance of databases in overall support of database administration or in the analysis and design in overall support of data administration;

                                                                                                                                                                               or

A bachelor's degree in any information technology field.